Creative Writing Professor Releases Novel

Books have been a part of Sean Bernard’s life since childhood. But while some readers simply dive into a spy or adventure novel as a means of escape, books evolved into a career for the Associate Professor of Creative Writing.

“My love of writing started just by liking books. When you really like something, you try to do it yourself,” he says. “Now writing is a habit.”

From that habit comes Bernard’s debut novel, Studies in the Hereafter, set to be released by Red Hen Press on Aug. 15.

The editor for University of La Verne’s Prism Review and fiction editor for the Los Angeles Review says he is always working on at least one manuscript. His novel is the second book he has had published. He previously penned the short-story collection Desert sonorous.

While his first book focused on life in Tucson, Ariz., Studies in the Hereafter is based primarily in Heaven. Several Basque-American characters figure importantly into the plot, something he wanted to include because of his heritage.

“I wanted to write something structurally complex that had elements of the Basque American experience, and also was unique,” Bernard says.

The central character is an office worker in the afterlife who is focused on field studies about the living. The character’s work connects him with Tetty, a Basque-American woman living in Nevada, and Carmelo, a scholar obsessed with the Basque culture.

Bernard wrote the first draft of the novel five years ago, and he says the publishing process has been long. “It can be challenging to find people who want to can make money off the art you’re creating.”

Bernard, who has taught at La Verne 10 years, says he has other books in the works, including one he says tangles with James Joyce’s novel Ulysses and another revolving around government surveillance.

His writing inspiration comes from the works and style of other authors, as well as issues affecting the world. He points out as particular influences Vladimir Nabokov and Roberto Bolaño.

Bernard said he is happy to be releasing the book, but it will not slow him down.

“I’ll get my copies sometime this week,” he said. “Then I’ll go to my computer and work on the next thing.”

A launch party for Studies in the Hereafter is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at Claremont Craft Ales, 1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Claremont. He is also scheduled to appear for a reading of the novel during the La Verne Academy Lecture Series on Oct. 6.